Liverpool FC Has Probably The Best Fans In The World

I have supported Liverpool FC for 13 years and I'm no stranger to the 'crisis.' It happened under Roy Evans, the short-lived Roy Evans/Gerard Houllier partnership, Gerard Houllier, and now Rafa Benitez.

Never before though, have I heard of such unity from the fans.

It's easy to sing, chant, and make banners through the good times. The atmosphere at Anfield during the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in 2005 was unlike any I had heard during my time as a Liverpool supporter and I have rarely heard it since.

But this season is a true test and I have a feeling our fans are going to be up for it.

I regularly read the popular Liverpool forum RAWK (www.redandwhitekop.com) to get some perspective from true Liverpool fans, because where I live in Birmingham, true reds fans are few and far between.

The support they have for the team and the manager is astonishing. I would contribute, but registration has been disabled for some time. What I have read though makes me realise why I love Liverpool FC.

Tomorrow, for the home match against Spurs, fans are planning to line the streets of Anfield Road two hours before kick-off, laden with flags and banners, to greet the team arriving on the coach.

They have also been swapping ideas for new banners for tomorrow night, mostly in support for Rafa Benitez, some in derision of the poisonous tabloids and Sky Sports, the rest in support of the team.

Here are a few which will probably make an appearance tomorrow night:

"AS ALWAYS, WE ARE FOCUSING ON SUPPORTING OUR MANAGER" (due to be scrolled out on the front row of the Kop).

These banners epitomise the solidarity amongst true Liverpool fans and are the main reason why I love the club so much and am proud to call myself a Liverpool fan.

Many fans are still unhappy with Rafa Benitez and the players and I can fully understand why. But take a minute to think of the effort our fellow fans are putting in, the solidarity they are showing, and the love they hold for the club regardless of the personnel. Take a minute to think about how influential the Kop has been, and the effect a unified front could have on the team and the manager.

It's time we try and unite, wherever we may be in the world, and show how much we love our club.